Whether you’re new to the island or just visiting and looking for a worship service that fits your needs, Marco Presbyterian Church could be right for you.

This church community entices newcomers to discover purpose and meaning in life, by turning to the Bible for guidance, instruction and ... fun! Biblical knowledge is the source which unites Marco Presbyterians in fulfilling the “great commission,” spreading the gospel to the rest of the world through activities real people can relate to.

Jim Stifler, deacon at Marco Presbyterian Church explains that members of the church involve themselves locally, by ministering in exciting and creative ways, so that even those who don’t attend church on a regular basis will ultimately realize that there truly is a God who loves them.

“We feel it’s our responsibility to get that message out. Then ultimately, if a person wants to come to our church, great. If they want to go to another church, that’s OK too. Just getting them to go to church, that’s the idea,” Stifler explains.

Ministry loves company: Marco Presbyterian “community projects” often include working in conjunction with other local churches, resulting in hugely successful events.

Photo by JASON EASTERLY

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The Reverend Bruce Fiol, senior pastor at Marco Presbyterian Church, delivers the message during the 17th annual Easter Sunrise Service held in front of the Marco Island Marriott Resort in 2004. Thousands of people were in attendance during the event.

The church partners with the Methodist Church each year, to put on widely popular organ, piano and bell choir concerts during the winter months, often drawing 600 to 800 guests for each show.

Marco Presbyterian leads the community in “Operation Christmas Child” each year. The church collects colorfully wrapped shoeboxes filled to the brim with Christmas goodies, to be sent to underprivileged children in the U.S. and abroad. Just getting a holiday package puts a smile on kid’s faces, and the Bible inside, written in their language, allows the story of Christmas to be heard around the world.

On Easter morning, for the last 24 years, island churches have gathered together for sunrise service on the beach, lead by the pastor of Marco Presbyterian Church, Reverend Bruce Fiol. The springtime holiday service has been known to draw a crowd of up to 8,000 people.

Marco Presbyterian Church doesn’t stop at a local level. According to Fiol, members of the congregation work together in spreading the gospel to people on all continents around the globe.

“We now support missionaries in Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and Europe,” Fiol explains with conviction.

Photo by JASON EASTERLY

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Thousands of people were in attendance for the Easter Sunrise Service held at Residents Beach on Marco Island Sunday morning in 2004. The message for the multi-denominational service was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Bruce Fiol of the Marco Presbyterian Church.

“Jesus lived 33 years on this earth and roughly the last three of those were in ministry. The last thing he said before he died and ascended to the father’s right hand was, ‘as you go into the world, communicate the message of Jesus Christ. Give the good news to all people.’ ”

In order to prepare for “community outreach” through ministry, the Marco Presbyterian Church offers “Discipleship programs” for people of all ages. Mike Seigfried, church administrator and deacon says his church takes a high level of interest in the teaching and development of local youth.

“We have people from our church who go to schools in the area to offer faith-based afterschool care,” says Siegfried. “We also have programs for homeschooled kids. Our youth pastor is excellent!

“On Sundays we offer classes for all ages. We take a look at how Jesus had 12 disciples, and as the youth grow older, they can get into discipleship too,” explains Siegfried.

Sara Shirley/File photo

Marco Presbyterian Church, located at 875 W. Elkcam Cir., had its first building completed in 1984. Senior pastor for the church, Rev. Dr. Bruce Fiol, has been with the church since 1983.

Marco Presbyterian Church offers a 10 to 12 week course each year, explaining how to “share faith.” Evangelism Explosion teaches everyone in the church how to go out and become an evangelist.

“We have fun. We play games, paintball. One of the things we don’t want is for religion to be boring. Especially for the youth!” explains Siegfried.

“As for me, I was drawn here by the people I’ve met, how our pastor delivers his message and by God. I enjoy all the things we do, getting involved and making it fun, helping people and watching them grow.”

The fun for adults also includes a well-attended “prayer breakfast event” for the public, held at the Marco Island Marriott each year and bible study programs that happen each week. For those who are new to studying the Bible, Fiol offers a starting point.

“Start with a gospel in the New Testament, such as Mark, which will give an eye witness account of Jesus’ life on earth. Next, move on to the book of Genesis, in The Old Testament,” Fiol suggests.

As far as what text to use, the pastor recommends new readers get a copy of The New International Version or a more recent translation of The English Standard Version Bible.

“I would encourage the public to come to a service to learn more,” says Fiol. “We warmly receive everyone, just as Jesus did.”

Marco Presbyterian Church

875 W. Elkcam Circle, 394-8186

www.marcochurch.com

• Sunday Services: 10:30 a.m. with children’s worship; 6 p.m.

• Fellowship and coffee at 10:00 a.m.

• Sunday School and Bible Study for all ages: 9 a.m.

• Youth Group: 4:30 p.m.

• Adult Bible Study: 6:30 p.m., Wednesday

• Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Bruce R. Fiol

• Assistant Pastor: Rev. Jonathan M. Loerop

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